This responds to your facsimile of September 111 1996, concerning the regulation and on of radio and navigation equipment on board United States vessels The numbered paragraphs below correspond to the numbered questions posed in your facsimile.
(1) In the United States the laws governing ship radio equipment and inspections are set forth in the Communications Act of 1934 the Great Lakes Agreement, and the Bridge to Bridge Radiotelephone Act, and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, 41 CFR Fart 80. As you know, U.S. vessels on international voyages must also comply with the requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as well as the technical specifications set forth in the International Telecommunications Union Radio Regulations.
(2) The law governing maritime communications are set forth and may only be amended by the United States Congress. The Commission implements these laws and generally carries out inspections of radio installations on board U.S. vessels. The Commission also has the authority to designate private, non-govermment entities to inspect ship radio stations on the Commission's behalf
(3) The Commission routinely permits classifications societies such as ABS and DNV to inspect radio installations on board U.S. vessels in foreign ports and issue appropriate safety certificates on the Commission's behalf. Either the Commission or the U.S. consulate has the authority to authorize these inspections in foreign ports.
(4) The Commission, or its designee, is authorized to carry out the inspection of individual radio equipment on board U.S. vessels. The United States Coast Guard, which is responsible for the overall safety of each vessel at see, uses the Commission-issued safety certificate as prima facia evidence that the radio equipment is working correctly. Thus, the Coast Guard does not inspect radio equipment
